Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Iowa
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Iowa earn a median of $60,440 a year, based on BLS data for 2,560 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,260 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $65,120. Iowa ranks 36th of 51 states for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school pay. There are 1.6 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $59,940, close to the median.
Pay range for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Iowa
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,490 |
| 25th percentile | $49,210 |
| Median | $60,440 |
| 75th percentile | $66,580 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,260 |
| Average (mean) | $59,940 |
Half of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,036.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,518.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,324.62 |
| Weekly | $1,162.31 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $60,440 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in cities in Iowa
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | $63,480 | 70 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $62,970 | 750 |
| Iowa City, IA | $61,440 | 120 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $61,240 | 320 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $60,570 | 170 |
| Dubuque, IA | $60,470 | 90 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $60,160 | 190 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $59,780 | 490 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $59,500 | 180 |
Highest-paying states for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $97,910 |
| California | $97,170 |
| Washington | $95,040 |
| Massachusetts | $91,350 |
| Rhode Island | $84,300 |
| Connecticut | $82,950 |
| New York | $81,260 |
| Alaska | $80,230 |
| Maryland | $78,850 |
| Illinois | $77,960 |
See Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School pay in every state.
Related jobs in Iowa
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Iowa
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2052. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school make in Iowa?
The median salary for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Iowa is $60,440 a year. Pay ranges from $47,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,260 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school make in Iowa?
The top 10% of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Iowa earn at least $77,260 a year. The top 25% earn $66,580 or more.
What is the starting pay for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Iowa?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,490 a year, and a quarter of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school earn $49,210 or less.
How many special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school work in Iowa?
About 2,560 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school are employed in Iowa, not counting the self-employed.